Maryland

 

  Ten-year-old me is in the backseat of a car crossing over the George Washington Bridge. Gospel music is blasting through the speakers. To my left and to my right are my cousins Sonovia and Sabrina. In the passenger seat is my mother passing around fried chicken that she made for our long trip. My Aunt Harriet's eyes are focused on the road, holding conversations and eating between the hours. We would have many bridges to cross before our feet touched Maryland.     

  If there is a holiday that I associate with Maryland it is Thanksgiving. After long trips from the Bronx my family and I would make our way to the dining room table at the home of my Uncle Del and Aunt Karen. Turkey, stuffing, mac n cheese, collard greens and cranberry sauce filled my stomach and would send me to sleep. Tanea, Uncle Del and Aunt Karen's daughter along with her son would join us in enjoying the festivities. The house consisted of four rooms. One bathroom. A basement. Minus an outdoor deck where one can go outside and sit. Based off my recollection there was this huge closet in one of the rooms upstairs. Sonovia, Sabrina and I use to play around in this closet as though we were going up and down inside of an elevator. Reflecting back throughout the stages of my life this is me at my purest form.   

  My Uncle Del was hardworking, protective and informative. Uncle Del taught me how to be competitive but humble. Through my Uncle Del I learned to be confident but not cocky. I remember when Uncle Del took me to see some horses. This taught me that some of the most beautiful things in this planet are free. What this has indirectly taught me was how to find ways to clear out my head. Aunt Karen was a woman of her word. Her yeas were yeas, and her nays were nays. When Aunt Karen spoke, she spoke with directness and love. All of the things I could not do because of my age Aunt Karen would always say, "one day Malcolm." Through Aunt Karen I was taught the art of waiting. Waiting my turn has helped me tremendously through pivotal moment of my life.  

  Although I have no plans of having a family of my own If I ever consider it a possibility it would mirror the Bryants. I desire to be a husband that listens to his wife and is considerate as it pertains to her wants and needs. I desire to be a father that will teach his daughter (Ruth Estelle Montgomery) to be strong, intelligent and courageous in a harsh and divisive world. Our house has many rooms for us and guest alike. Even our all-white American Bully Porkchop does not just call the backyard his home. Studying and evolving my craft along with achieving my own set of goals has pushed away the thought of me leaving behind another life on this earth.   

  The Bronx, New York is a place I proudly call home. However, there are other states and cities that I have been considering as future destinations to visit or live. Chicago has windy winters. San Francisco has a skyline that enthralls my imagination. But there is something about Maryland that brings out of me peace, joy and happiness. When I get my first house it will be in the great state of Maryland. A piece of me will always be in her soil and trees.   

  Trips to Maryland have been but few over the years. Maryland taught me the meaning of family. Maryland taught me how to set goals. Maryland taught me hard work. Maryland taught me how to compete in a world that is only built for the strong. Maryland taught me to never be ashamed of who I am or where I come from. Maryland is not just a place I use to visit. Maryland is a place I call home.